4 Ways To Stay Healthy While On A Budget

As I am working through the continual process of getting healthier, I am learning that it is truly on me to be what I call the general contractor of my body. It was, and is my job to be the one who orders and gets the permits, grin, for whatever new things my body is asking for. And to make sure I was really listening for what was needed.

I was so aware of what my body was really asking for. And one was exercise. The need to walk a couple of miles per day not only helped my body but lifted my spirits. Another was my not eating as a hobby. In fact, since I am now so busy, active and healthy, I lost all the extra wheelchair pounds. An added perk, yes?

So although we never quite know what the next curve ball might be, or if one even comes. we do have the option of choice. And hopefully we truly do execute that choice in our best interests.

How do we want to be the healthiest and still stay in our budget?

This is a contributed affiliate post. That means that Ariel did not write the entire blog.

No one sets out in life to be unhealthy, but it is our responsibility to figure out how to get healthy again. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is incredibly expensive, and is something that can only be done with a lot of cash, right? Well, not quite.

Of course, a healthy lifestyle can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you can’t afford for it to be. You don’t need celebrity trainers and personal chefs to get fit, in fact, you don’t even need a gym membership if it doesn’t fit your budget. Here are some things that you can do to stay healthy for less money.

Cut Out Junk Food

The first and most obvious tip that I am going to give you is to quit scoffing fatty foods. While a carrot might not seem like a fun snack after a hard day at work, ordering takeaways and having cupboards filled with chocolate and chips isn’t a better option.

Not only are they terrible for your body, but they can be incredibly costly too, which is something that you can’t afford on a budget. Trust me, there are cheaper and healthier options out there.

One of my favorites is cucumber with humus, it is low calorie and packed with protein. Another one is what my kids used to call ants on a log, remember that? Stalks of celery with nut butter and then raisins sprinkled on top. And when I really feel that I need something sweet, I bake an apple and fill the center with raisins and cinnamon and about an inch of water..and yum an hour later, delish!

A rice cake topped with mustard and avocado is my pick me up. Have you tried it?

Drink More Water

Water is essential for your body to be able to function properly, so drinking more of it is always a good idea if you’re looking to get fit. Most experts recommend between eight and ten glasses every day. However, water also happens to be a whole lot cheaper than sugar-filled fizzy drinks and fruit juices, so it makes a lot of sense to make water your go-to drink. If you find the flavor leaves something to be desired, add some slices of fruit to make it more interesting.

My favorite way to drink water is to add a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber. Did you know that at spas they offer cucumber water because it hydrates? And it is so cooling and refreshing.And coconut water is fabulous to re-hydrate and put back lost electrolytes.

In fact a tidbit here, coconut water can be used as a substitute for plasma. Amazing how Mother Nature always has the answers, yes?

Shop Around

Whenever you’re looking to save money, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for socks or a television, it’s always a smart idea to do some research and shop around. Luckily, a healthy lifestyle is no different. Rather than just buying for the first banana you see, check a few different stores and markets out online to find the best value for money. You can do the same to find an affordable dental plan or gym membership. This will take some effort, but it will be worth it to save your wallet.

Try Gym Alternatives

As I’ve already mentioned, you don’t need to get a gym membership to stay healthy, especially if it doesn’t fit into your budget; There are plenty of ways to work out for less. For example, you can pick up a few cheap workout DVDs next time you pop to a one dollar store, or could borrow some from your local library. You could also try running outside with a friend or join a fitness group. There are so many options out there, and they are all so much cheaper than a gym.

Keeping fit does not have to cost an arm and a leg, so don’t let money (or lack of it) stop you from bettering yourself.

SUMMARY

One of the things about being a “grown up” is that we choose wisely. Being in charge of our lives, means we are willing to listen and honor what our bodies need. We choose to eat better, drink more, exercise more and find ways to keep us healthy. And in doing all this for our bodies, we will ultimately feel so much better. Another great thing to do is find a walking buddy. And that way you can keep each other on track. And its fun! And it does not cost a thing.

Here is to our vibrant, thriving health and good cheer!

Do tell me how you are choosing to stay healthy while on a budget!

In peace and gratitude,

Founder, success-full-living.com living one heart -centric moment at a time

17 thoughts on “4 Ways To Stay Healthy While On A Budget”

Ariel,
Thanks for all the great information. I really like the idea of a DVD to workout rather than going to a gym. It is a lot more budget friendly and you don’t have to waste time commuting. You have me curious now, a rice cake topped with mustard and avocado, I’m going to have to try that!
Lisa

i like what you said that we do not set out to intentionally become unhealthy. It reminds me of the saying “If I’d have known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” I think we just get caught up in our jobs and daily living during out middle years that taking care of ourselves with proper diet and exercise just gets pushed to the side and ignored. By the time we reach our senior years we start to realize we have let ourselves go and then have to make a conscience effort to try and correct things. Once article with good advice.

You must be talking to me. No way you wrote this post without knowing that food is my go to hobby and I really don’t like spending money on the gym. I guess I Have to stop complaining and start treating my body better. Thank you for the encouragement Ariel.

Hello Brit, I was talking to me toooo! We so need to pay attention to what our bodies need, or our bodies will make us notice..yes? So please do treat your body well.. its the only one you have and its so beautiful! in peace and gratitude and hugs ariel

Hello Ariel,
Yes, I plead the 5th amendment on this one…well, sort of. I am guilty. Working on my computer most of the time, I totally forget to – eat, sleep, drink enough water, and such the like. Today I will make the effort to do all the above…and maybe you can check up on me???!!
Thanks for sharing.
Namaste.
Michelle

Ahh check up buddies? For sure I can do that, but then you have to check up on me too deal?I am trying to put into my schedule eat drink nap walk every 30 minutes take a break. hopefully it will work! big hugs

I love the central idea here that we have choices to make. We are responsible for how we live our lives. I am so excited to have warmer weather coming so I can do more walking. Walking is my go-to exercise, just getting out in the sun, and enjoying the trees, grass, and feel of gravel or sand under my sneakers!
Gotta try the rice cake with mustard and avocado. I love how you can buy avocado in snack paks now.

I loved your article, Ariel. It’s doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to get physically fit. There are even inexpensive apps you can download on your phone or tablet that will help you do this. Thank you for these valuable points you made in this post.

Hi Ariel. Your post has come at a time when we as a family are looking at ways to live healthier, cheaper. As our family size has expended and our youngest was recently introduced to solids we’ve had to look carefully at how to eat and live healthier lives as a family. We decided on a family gym membership as it gives us an opportunity to spend time together in a safe environment. I’m especially loving being able to workout with my wife and help each other achieve our fitness goals. As you suggest, each individual or family needs to look at what is affordable and will work best for them.

Hello Zola, so happy to see you here! How fabulous that you are able to do the family gym membership together..and hopefully have quality time with you wife at the same time. I know that you two will always find whatever is necessary for your family. In peace and gratitude, ariel

Thanks for the useful tips. I really need to work on drinking lot of water. I read drinking water on empty stomach in the morning have lot of benefits and before going to bed drinking a glass of water is also very beneficial. Thanks Again!

This is indeed an incredible article worth reading by everyone. You really packed this post with a lot of useful information. So Interesting.

Now you have opened my eyes to so many ways to stay healthy while on budget. I have heard about junk foods and it is always spoken negatively of.

So I really appreciate the alternatives you recommended in this article. I know taking food like cucumber and apple are always the best because they are natural and good for the body, rather than going for ice cream and other sweet as you said.

As for exercise, I know very well that it is the best for the body. Even taken just a walk can do a lot to burn some calories and other waste in the body. In fact, I must admit that I love this post and I’m going to share it know on Facebook.

Hello Stephen, so many thanks for your vote of confidence and support. Thank you so much for sharing this article. You are so right when we feed our body well, our mind just thrives. So do make great choices on food. So happy you are here stopping by. IN peace and gratitude, ariel

Hi Ariel,
Very smart ways to stay healthy and any one can do it. It is so simple, eating less junk food, drink more water, and walking more. We need to choose wisely to honor our bodies. Thanks for sharing.

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